Port-a-Bump Road Construction Safety Device

ABSTRACT

A system for a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in a series around road or highway construction is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No.63/9029,456 entitled PORT-A-BUMP ROAD CONSTRUCTION SAFETY DEVICE, filedMay 27, 2020. The provisional application is incorporated in itsentirety by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates in general to a system for providing a roadconstruction safety device, and more specifically, to a system forproviding a portable road speed bump for deployment around roadconstruction sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many road or highway workers are injured or lose their lives inaccidents caused by motorists every year. Many drivers travel throughwork zones while not reducing their speed. Current industry standardsrequire the creation of traffic barriers, often placing workers infurther danger while creating and removing the barriers once the roadwayreturns to normal traffic flow.

Therefore, a critical need exists for a simple, safer way to slow thespeed of drivers, helping them to be more aware of the constructionhazard and people working in the area. A portable, easy-to-place seriesof speed bumps will cause motorists to slow their speed and encourageattention to their surroundings. If the bump is portable, it can easilybe removed and stored when work is completed and returned to the roadwhen construction recurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that is further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The present invention is defined by the claims.

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problemsare solved by providing a system for a portable road speed bump that canbe deployed in a series around road or highway construction sitesaccording to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basisfor modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of theinvention, both as to its organization and method of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages, will be better understood from thefollowing description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to theattached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for providing a system for aportable road speed bump that can be deployed in a series around road orhighway construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an example embodiment of a system thatprovides a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in a seriesaround road or highway construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a system forproviding a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in a seriesaround road or highway construction according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment for a systemfor providing a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in aseries around road or highway construction according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a single portable road speedbump for deployment around road construction sites connecting to asecond portable speed bump according to the present invention.

FIG. 6a-c illustrate an example of a device carrier for a portable roadspeed bump for deployment around road and highway construction sitesaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention are described with specificityherein to meet statutory requirements. However, the scope of theinvention is not intended to be defined by the description itself. Theclaimed subject matter may be embodied as to include different features,elements, components, steps, or combinations of steps, similar to thosedescribed herein, and in combination with other existing or futuretechnologies. Moreover, although the term “step” might be used toconnote different elements of the methods employed, this term should notbe interpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except the order of individual stepsis explicitly described or required.

This application relates in general a system for providing a safetydevice used at road and highway construction sites, and morespecifically, to a system for providing a portable speed bump fordeployment around road and highway construction sites according to thepresent invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of theinvention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attachedhereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification arenot intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the manypossible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the followingterminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one ormore of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps.As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features,steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps or components. It also should be notedthat in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts notedmay occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twofigures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed orpresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such arange format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus shouldbe interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical valuesexplicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include allthe individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within thatrange as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. Asan illustration, a numerical range of “50-250 micrometers” should beinterpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about50 micrometers and 250 micrometers, but also include individual valuesand sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in thisnumerical range are individual values such as 60, 70, and 80micrometers, and sub-ranges such as from 50-100 micrometers, from100-200, and from 100-250 micrometers, etc.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, percent, ratio,reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” whether or not the term “about” is present. Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in thespecifications and claims are approximations that may vary dependingupon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presentdisclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in thetesting measurements.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes,formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities andcharacteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximatedand/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factorsknown to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term“about” shall expressly include “exactly,” consistent with thediscussion above regarding ranges and numerical data.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the inventionbeing applied for via the patent application with the title “Port-A-BumpRoad Construction Safety Device.” Invention or present invention may beused interchangeably with “Port-A-Bump.”

In general, the present disclosure relates a system for a portable roadspeed bump that can be deployed in a series around road or highwayconstruction. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1illustrates an example embodiment for a system that provides a portableroad speed bump for deployment around road construction sites accordingto the present invention. The figure presents a construction site on anexisting roadway 105 in which a vehicle 110 must transverse areas thatmay include road workers and construction equipment near the roadway105. The roadway 105 may be divided into areas safe for vehicles to usefrom active work areas by using barriers 108 a-n and other markingdevices, such as road cones 107 a-n and barrier walls 108.

These devices, unfortunately, do not provide an effective way to reducethe speed of a vehicle 110 as it enters into a work area. In otherinstances, motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed with the useof speed bumps constructed on a roadway. These speed bumps are typicallypermanently constructed into a roadway. This type of speed bump,however, is not an effective method to encourage vehicles to slow downthat is meant to be a temporary device that may be removed withoutdamaging the roadway when the construction has been halted or completed.

One solution to this problem is to place temporary speed bumps 101 a-ddown onto the roadway 105 across the path of travel for vehicles 110.These temporary speed bumps 101 a-d are transported to a worksite usinga device carrier 102 and unrolled as they are placed down to create anobstacle for motorists to traverse at a slowed speed. These portablespeed bumps 101 a-d are made of rubber or a hard synthetic material thatis strong enough for vehicles to drive over without damage to the speedbumps and vehicle tires. When the construction is completed, either fora day or a job, the portable speed bumps 101 a-d may be rolled up ontothe carrier 102 and easily removed from the worksite.

FIG. 2 illustrates top view of an example embodiment of a system for aportable road speed bump that can be deployed in a series around road orhighway construction according to the present invention. One portablespeed bump 201 is shown having a length for crossing a roadway anddefined by identical elements connected in a row. The portable speedbump 201 is constructed using a set of center elements 203 a-n having anend center element 202 a-b located at each end of the speed bump. A setof side elements 204 a-m are located along the sides of the centerelements. Each of these side elements 204 a-m are positioned to becentered along a dividing line between each of the center elements 203a-n. A series of connecting rods 209 a-k are coupled to one of the sideelements on each side of the speed bump 201 while passing through thecorresponding center element 203 a-n in between. The connecting rods 209a-k are coupled one to each side of the side elements 204 a-m so thatthe center and side elements connect into a single structure. Theconnecting rods are also positioned to maintain enough space between theseries of center elements 203 a-n to allow the portable speed bumps tobe flexible and to roll up onto the carrier 102.

Each of the center elements 203 a-n may also possess a reflectivesurface 207 a-b on top of the element directed into the expected path oftravel for a vehicle as it crosses the portable speed bump 201. Thesereflective surfaces 207 a-b may present alternating colors such that theportable speed bump 201 is visible to drivers approaching them when thespeed bumps are located across the roadway 105. The number, location,and color of these reflective surfaces may be arranged as desired tobest provide visual clues to drivers for the need to slow down theirvehicles.

The two end center elements 202 a-b may also possess a series ofconnecting elements 205 a-c and 206 a-c toward their outer edges on aside opposite from a center element 202 a. These connecting elements maypermit one portable speed bump 201 to be connected to a second speedbump to create a longer speed bump. The speed bump 201 may also beconnected to another speed bump to permit multiple speed bumps to berolled onto a carrier 102.

While the described arrangement of center and side elements shown hereinrepresents one of many possible arrangements for these interconnectedand modular speed bump elements that may be possible with the presentinvention, other arrangements, such as a similar one shown in FIG. 6amay be used to construct the portable speed bump 201 while permitting itto remain flexible and able to be rolled up onto its carrier.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a system forproviding for a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in aseries around road or highway construction according to the presentinvention. The side view of FIG. 3 shows the portable speed bump 201with one side visible as a vehicle approaches the device along its pathof travel over the portable speed bump 201. A driver will be able to seethe front surfaces of the set of side elements 204 a-f, the frontsurfaces of the top of the center elements 203 a-d located behind theside elements, and any reflective surfaces 207 a-b that are included onthe portable speed bump 201.

While the reflective surfaces 207 a-b are shown being located on thefront surfaces of the center elements, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that these reflective surfaces may be located on thefront sides of the side elements as well as, in addition to or insteadof being located on the center elements. The tires of the vehicle 110will drive up the front surfaces of the side elements 204 a-e and thenthe front surfaces of the center elements before crossing the remainingportion of the center elements and down the other side of the portablespeed bump 201.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment for a systemfor a portable road speed bump that can be deployed in a series aroundroad or highway construction according to the present invention. Thefront view of the portable speed bump 201 presents a view of the speedbump as seen from a side of a roadway looking down the length of thespeed bump. The portable speed bump 201 shows a center element 202 ahaving a side element 204 a and 204 n on either side. A connecting rod209 a is shown connecting the two side elements 204 a, 204 n to eachother while also passing through the center element 203 a. The profileview of both the side elements 204 a, 204 n, and the center element 203a, illustrate the overall shape of the speed bump that starts at thelevel of the roadway at an edge that rises across the side elements andcontinues up the side of the center element until reaching its maximumheight. A middle section of the center element remains flat until aslope downward begins and crosses the second side element beforereaching the roadway level. The reflective surfaces 207 a-b are shown onone of the possible locations that permit headlights from passingvehicles to enhance the visibility of the speed bump 201 for vehicleoperators 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a portable road speed bumpfor deployment around road construction sites connecting to a secondportable speed bump according to the present invention. A first endelement 501 a is shown abutting a second end element 501 b in an attemptto connect these two portable speed bumps into a longer speed bump. Eachof the end elements possess a set of connecting elements 502 a-b thatare positioned to be adjacent to each other when the two end elementsare located together. These two connecting elements 502 a-b may becoupled together using a connecting device 503. In an embodiment inwhich the connecting elements 502 a-b correspond to thru-holes in theend elements, the connecting device 503 may be a hook or clamp thatengages each thru-hole in a manner that secures the end elements into asingle device. In other embodiments, one of the end elements may possessa receiving thru-hole where the second end element possesses just a hookdevice. Any connection mechanism may be used herein as long as itmaintains some separation of the end elements from each other tomaintain the flexibility of the portable speed bump as it is used androlled into its carrier 102.

FIG. 6a-c illustrate an example for a device carrier for a portable roadspeed bump for deployment around road construction sites according tothe present invention. FIG. 6a shows a top view of a carrier 600 thatunrolls a length of portable speed bump elements 601 to deploy theportable speed bump 201 at a construction site. The length of speed bumpelements 601 illustrates another set of interconnected elements that maybe coupled together for a flexible portable speed bump that may berolled on and off a carrier 600. The length of portable speed bumpelements 601 wind around a center drum 602 that rotates about a shaft606 which connects a support wheel 603 on one side of the carrier 600 toa cranking handle 615 on the other side of the carrier. As the crankhandle 615 is rotated about the shaft 606, the length of portable speedbump elements 601 will move onto and about the drum 602. The crankhandle 615 may be replaced by a motor device that is powered by a powersource, such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, suchas a gasoline powered or a diesel powered engine, if needed to move themass of the length of portable speed bump elements 601. When the crankhandle 615, or the motor device, turns the crank in one direction, thelength of portable speed bump elements 601 will wind onto the centerdrum 602. When the crank handle 615, or motor device is reversed torotate in the opposite direction, the length of portable speed bumpelements 601 will be deployed as the carrier 600 is moved across aroadway.

FIG. 6b shows a carrier 600 having a handle 610 and a supportingmovement wheel 605 a in which the length of portable speed bump elements601 is entirely contained within the carrier 600. FIG. 6c shows thecarrier 600 from the opposite side looking at the crank handle 615. Asecond movement supporting wheel 605 b is located on the opposing sideof the carrier. A length of portable speed bump elements 601 is shownpartially deployed from the carrier 600 as the carrier is moved across aroadway 105.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in thepresent application, these combinations are not intended to limit thedisclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may becombined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In otherwords, any of the features mentioned in this application may be includedin this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow thefunctionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitlydescribed as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean“based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described, as required bystatute, to be illustrative, but should not be interpreted to berestrictive. One having skill in the art will recognize that manydifferent arrangements of the various components depicted are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the claims below, as well asarrangements including components not explicitly shown.

One having skill in the art will understand that certain combinationsand/or sub-combinations of elements and features are of utility and maybe employed without reference to other combinations and/orsub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in thespecific order described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for a portable speed bumpcomprising: a set of center elements having a length and a width, theset of center elements having a first end center element and a secondend center element, wherein the first end center element and the secondend center element are located at opposite ends of the length of the setof center elements, wherein a dividing line separates each centerelement in the set of center elements from a neighboring center element,a set of side elements, wherein the set of side elements comprises afirst set of side elements and a second set of side elements, the firstset of side elements and the second set of side elements being locatedat opposite sides of the width of the set of center elements; and aseries of connecting rods, wherein the series of connecting rods couplethe first set of side elements, the set of center elements, and thesecond set of side elements into a single structure.
 2. The apparatus ofindependent claim 1, wherein: each side element of the set of sideelements is positioned to be centered with each of the dividing linesbetween each of the center elements.
 3. The apparatus of independentclaim 1, wherein: each center element has a reflective surface.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein: the reflective surfaces have at least afirst color and a second color, such that each center element has adifferent reflective surface color from the neighboring center element.5. The apparatus of independent claim 1, wherein: each side element hasa reflective front surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: thereflective front surfaces have at least a first color and a secondcolor, such that each side element has a different reflective frontsurface color from the neighboring center element.
 7. The apparatus ofindependent claim 1, wherein: the first end center element furthercomprises a first series of connecting elements and the second endcenter element further comprises a second series of connecting elements,such that each of the first and second series of connecting elements canbe connected to a second apparatus to produce a longer single structure.8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the connection elements comprisethru-holes; and wherein a connecting device may be engaged through thethru-hole to a corresponding thru-hole in the second apparatus.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein: the connecting device is one of a hookand a clamp.
 10. The apparatus of independent claim 1, wherein: aprofile view of the set of center elements and the set of side elementshas an overall shape, the overall shape sloping up at a level of aroadway at the first set of side elements, reaching a maximum height andremaining flat at the center elements, and sloping down to the level ofthe roadway at the second set of side elements.
 11. An apparatus for aportable speed bump carrier comprising: a support wheel located at afirst side of the apparatus; a shaft connected to the support wheel; acenter drum that rotates about the shaft, the center drum configuredsuch that a length of portable speed bump elements can be wound aroundthe center drum; and a crank engage to the shaft, the crank located at asecond side of the apparatus, the second side being opposite from thefirst side, wherein rotating the crank in a first direction causes thelength of speed bump element to wind onto the center drum, and whereinrotating the crank in a second direction causes the length of speed bumpelement to unwind from the center drum.
 12. The apparatus of independentclaim 11, wherein: the crank is one of a manual handle, an electricmotor, a gasoline powered internal combustion engine, and a dieselpowered internal combustion engine.